Awaab's Law: Guidance for landlords

Awaab’s Law was introduced after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his home.

The law requires social housing landlords to act quickly when tenants report damp and mould.

What social landlords must do 

From October 2025, social landlords must:

• investigate and start work on emergency damp or mould within 24 hours
• investigate significant damp or mould within 10 working days
• begin repairs within 5 working days after an investigation confirms the issue

For more information see GOV.UK Awaab's Law: Guidance for social landlords - Timeframes for repairs in the social rented sector. 

Enforcement 

The Regulator of Social Housing and the Housing Ombudsman can take enforcement action against landlords who fail to comply. Local authorities also have powers to act.

Private landlords 

Awaab's Law will be extended to private landlords when it becomes part of the Renters’ Rights Act (GOV.UK).